What you can look forward to drinking in the new year, from regional craft ales to the first collaborative bottle brewed entirely by women. And one dud you should absolutely avoid.By Evan S. Benn

Stone Old Guardian Belgo Barley Wine

Stone Old Guardian Belgo Barley Wine

Stone is a brewery known for its big, ass-kicking beers. So it's saying something that Old Guardian Barley Wine is one of its biggest, most ass-kicking. How do you improve upon something that's already hopped, highly alcoholic, and critically well-regarded? Stone's answer was to throw a dose of funky Belgian yeast into the 2011 batch — part of its Odd Beers for Odd Years series. It's being released in February, and I'm itching to get my hands on some. You should be, too.

Captain Lawrence 5 Years Later Ale

Captain Lawrence 5 Years Later Ale

Few words excite beer geeks more than "deep," "dark," and "hoppy." Put them together, and something magical is bound to happen. Something like 5 Years Later, which is being released to commemorate Captain Lawrence Brewing Co.'s fifth year making exceptional beers in Pleasantville, New York. Brewed with five malts and five American hops, you can look for it in February around the New York area in 750-mL bottles. If you have any Northeastern friends, it's time to call in a favor.